News

Bedford Blues are delighted to announce that Nigel Owens, one of the most respected officials in World Rugby, will be returning to the Blues Marquee this summer for a Sportsman’s Dinner.

Nigel last visited the Blues just three days before the 2015 Rugby World Cup final, and so enthralling was his after-dinner speech, that he received a five minute standing ovation from those in attendance.

Renowned for his quick retorts to defuse even the ugliest of scenes on the field - "If you want a cwtch, do it after the match” - Owens has established himself as one of the best and most respected referees in the world.

Bedford Blues secured a semi-final spot in the British & Irish Cup following a monumental encounter against Ulster A at Goldington Road.

While a try from Rich Lane and 11 points from Will Hooley’s boot did the business on the scoreboard, it was the dogged Blues defence which ultimately won the game as Ulster threw everything including the kitchen sink at Bedford in the dying minutes of the game.

Bedford Blues have been forced into a late change to their 22 man squad for today's British & Irish Cup after Lee Dickson was ruled out of taking a place on the bench. Elliot Clements-Hill come in to replace the player/coach.

*** Updated team news ***

Bedford Blues have named their 22 man squad to face Ulster A in the Quarter-Final of the British & Irish Cup at Goldington Road on Saturday afternoon.

Bedford and Ulster have face off four time already since the B&I Cup came into existence with each game being massively entertaining and much of the same is expected when the match kicks off at 3pm.

Bedford Blues are delighted to announce that three members of the current squad have put pen to paper on new deals that will keep them at Goldington Road next season.

Josh Buggea, Will Hooley and Ed Taylor have all joined skipper Michael Le Bourgeois in agreeing new deals to keep them at the club for another year.

Speaking about the re-signings, Blues Director of Rugby Mike Rayer said: "We've been pleased with the progress made by the club this season and it's important that we maintain a core of the current squad for the next campaign.

It’s Cup Quarter Final week at Goldington Road as Blues head straight back into home action this Saturday against Ulster A in the British & Irish Cup knockout fixture (KO 3pm).

Following Saturday’s thrilling victory over Doncaster Knights, the Bedford boys return in confident spirits ahead of the Easter weekend match where they meet the sizeable challenge of the Northern Irish province.

The Belfast based side will travel hunting revenge over the Blues after Bedford did the Cup double over the Ulstermen two years ago to win both Pool stage encounters and secure a home Quarter Final against Jersey in 2016.

Bedford Blues went through a hugely attritional 80 minutes on Saturday afternoon, but they dug in deep to pick up a 41-32 bonus point win over Doncaster Knights.

A brace of tries for Rich Lane and one apiece for Tom Lindsay and Lee Dickson set the Blues on their way while Will Hooley kicked 18 points and Harry Sheppard slotted a late penalty to deny the visitors a second bonus point.

Games between the Blues and Knights are always tight affairs and it was clear that this would be the case from the opening whistle.

Bedford Blues will run out for the first time in three weeks when they welcome Doncaster Knights to Goldington Road on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues were denied a fixture last weekend when the so-called 'Beast from the East part two' descended on Nottingham leaving the pitch unplayable. The postponement meant that Bedford had not been in action since Saturday 3rd March when they defeated Yorkshire Carnegie 41-22.

Bedford Blues return home this Saturday 24th March for another crucial encounter against Doncaster Knights as the visitors attempt to leapfrog Mike Rayer’s men (KO 3pm).

The Blues lead the race for third position in the table after the Knights slipped up at Castle Park versus Richmond at the weekend and Yorkshire, similarly to Bedford’s planned trip to Nottingham, postponed their fixture against Ealing due to inclement weather.

Big wins for Cornish Pirates and Jersey have elevated both sides in the table and there is now only four points or one victory separating third and seventh in the Championship table.

Bedford make just two changes from the team that defeated Yorkshire Bedford Blues have named their team to head up the M1 to face Nottingham on Sunday afternoon in what will be their fourth meeting this season.

Despite the Blues having racked up three victories over their East Midlands rivals, past results count for nothing when the whistle blows at 3pm at Lady Bay.

Bedford head into the game off the back of an impressive 41-22 win over Yorkshire Carnegie which saw the Blues leap up to third place in the Championship after 17 rounds of the campaign.